European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a 200-million-euro ($232 million) investment package for Greenland on Monday, as the European Union seeks to strengthen ties with the Arctic island. Von der Leyen signed an EU-Greenland declaration with Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the visit. Greenland is a semiautonomous territory and a NATO ally through Denmark. “Greenland can count on the EU,” von der Leyen said after the agreement. EU Pushes Deal Amid Heightened DisputesThe announcement comes as the EU has increased its focus on Greenland since US President Donald Trump began arguing that the United States should take control of the island for security reasons. Von der Leyen said the investment partnership would create “new opportunities” and support a strong EU presence in Greenland and the Arctic, describing Greenland as a strategic ally and a trusted friend. The plan seeks to boost practical capacity across several areas, while also reinforcing cooperation linked to critical supplies and infrastructure in the wider region. Education, Fisheries and Critical Minerals IncludedThe package is designed to help Greenland improve education and fisheries, expand internet connectivity, and develop hydropower systems. It also includes support for the use of critical raw minerals. In addition, the EU set out funding for better housing, assistance to small businesses and measures aimed at sustainable tourism. The European Commission framed the measures as part of a broader investment partnership, intended to deepen engagement between the EU and Greenland’s authorities. Trump Tariff Threats Raise Sovereignty ConcernsTrump’s repeated claims about Greenland’s future have fuelled sovereignty concerns and prompted pushback from Greenlandic and Danish leaders, as tensions have also increased among NATO allies. In January, Denmark and seven other European countries sent a small group of military personnel to Greenland, publicly for military exercises intended to strengthen Arctic security. The move was also seen as a show of support for Greenland’s sovereignty. In response, Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The governments involved said the tariff threats undermined trans-Atlantic relations and risked a “dangerous downward spiral”, adding that they were committed to upholding sovereignty. Trump later backed down after NATO agreed a security deal covering the Arctic region. NATO Drills Start With No US TroopsVon der Leyen’s trip also coincided with military activity in Greenland. On Monday, 11 NATO countries began exercises in Greenland involving around 400 military personnel. The drills include special forces troops trained to operate in Arctic conditions from Canada, Denmark and Finland. The exercises, known as Arctic Shield, run from Sept. 7 to Sept. 18, with no US troops participating. Join the discussion? 8 September 2026
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